Bereavement is a common life event that can lead to various psychosocial challenges, yet access to quality information and mental health services for grieving individuals remains limited. Digital technology offers a promising avenue for enhancing accessibility while avoiding the medicalization of grief, potentially supporting healthier mourning processes for a broader population.
This study presents the development of a digital self-help application designed to support adaptive coping in bereaved individuals, including bereaved family members of cancer patients, from July 2024 to May 2025. Based on Stroebe and Schut’s Dual Process Model of Coping with Bereavement, the app encourages flexible movement between loss-oriented and restoration-oriented coping. Content was created through an extensive literature review and iterative consultations with multidisciplinary professionals specializing in psycho-oncology and palliative care.
The application consists of four key components: (1) psychoeducation modules on core themes in bereavement; (2) guided meditations grounded in self-compassion; (3) a virtual memorial space to commemorate loved ones; and (4) a peer-sharing board to connect users with similar experiences. These elements are designed to provide compassionate, accessible, and evidence-informed support in a self-directed format.
A usability test is scheduled for July 2025, involving 20 participants—10 mental health professionals and 10 general users—over a three-week period. The evaluation will assess feasibility, user experience, and perceived helpfulness, informing future refinements and research.
This presentation will describe the theoretical foundation, content development process, and app structure, along with findings from the planned usability study. The project highlights the potential of digital interventions to offer scalable and stigma-free support for individuals navigating grief.